Johannes Durst & Family

Johannes was born on 24 February 1799 in Dettenhausen, not far from Tübingen, Kingdom of Württemberg. He was a farmer. On 11 September 1822, 23-year-old Johann married Christina Margarethe Binder (born on 4 November 1801).

The parents had 11 children, 4 of them died in Dettenhausen. The ones who survived till adulthood were:

• Johann Christian born 8 January 1825
• Johannes Jr. - born 13 January 1829,
• Catherine - born 12 October 1836,
• Johann Georg - born 20 June 1831,
• Johann Jakob - born 15 December 1838,
• Johann Bernhardt - born 13 June 1841,
• Fredericke - born 31 October 1845.

 

On 25 August 1846, Johann, Margarethe, and their 7 children arrived in Texas. They traveled on the ship Element and endured the same privations and hardship as other emigrants. The Durst family got to Fredericksburg on 6 February 1847 where Johann Sr. and each of the two adult sons - Christian and Johann Jr. - were granted town lots and 10 acres of land. 

Two years later, on 6 August 1848, ♡ Christian married Sophie (Gern) Schlueter (1). He owned a piece of land which included a mountain near Fredericksburg, Christian called it "Cross Mountain" when he discovered the remains of the cross which had been put there by the Spaniards. 

On 18 September 1850, Johann (John), his wife Margarethe, and their children Johann Jr. (John), Catherine, Jacob, Bernard, and Fredericka were registered during the census. Both John Sr. and John Jr. were laborers (2).

In 1849,  when the Methodist Church came into being in Fredericksburg, the Durst family were some of the church's first members.

♡ Johann Jr. married Katherine Strackbein on 15 December 1851 (3), 

♡ Catharine Caroline married Jacob Treibs on 13 January 1853 (4), 

After 1855, the family of John Durst Sr. moved to the Bauer Community, Mason County, by the Llano River. The three eldest children and their immediate families stayed in Fredericksburg.

♡ 4 October 1856 Johann Georg married Charlotte Siegmann. It happened in Gillespie County, TX (5, 6).

When in Mason County, the Dursts became members of the Methodist Church Llano Circuit.

John Jr. served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. First it was 8th Battalion, Texas Cavalry (Taylor's Battalion, Mounted Rifles), Company C - John entered the service as a corporal, later he was promoted to 1st Sergeant. Then, he served with 1st Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Yager's 1st Mounted Rifles), Company E (7).

♡ Fredericke, the youngest child of John Jr.'s, was married to Mr. Thomas Lindsay shortly before 1870. 

That year, another Census took place. On 16 June in Mason, Mason County, the John Durst family ( John, Margarethe, Jacob, and Bernhardt) was registered. John and his sons appeared in the record as cattle raisers. The Durst's neighbours were John Georg, his wife Charlotte and her father (?) 59-year-old Friedrich Siegmann - a shoemaker, the Melhior Bauers, the William Bickenbachs, the Henry Hasses, and the Henry Hoersters (8).

Two days later, Fredericke (Ricke) was registered with her 27-year-old husband Thom (born about 1843 in Alabama). The young couple lived in the town of Mason as well, and Thom was a cattle raiser, too (9).

Johann Durst senior died of pneumonia on 14 October 1870. He was buried at the Lower Willow Creek Cemetery. 

Two months later, on 8 December 1870, ♡ Johann Jacob Durst married Miss Sophie Leifeste (10), the daughter of Johann Heinrich Gottfried Leifeste and Mrgarethe Rheinhard.

♡ Johann Bernhardt, the youngest son of Johann Sr. and Margarethe Durst's got married on 6 April 1881 in Gillespie, Texas. His wife was Miss Maria B Finke Kopp (11).

After her husband's passing, Margarethe Durst came back to Fredericksburg and lived there till the day of her death - 16 January 1887. Years later, on Johannes Durst's death anniversary, 14 October 1941, his remains were transferred to the Cemetery in Fredericksburg.

 

Pictures: the Cross Mountain area, Fredericksburg, Texas.

Resources:

• "Mason County Historical Book", Mason County Historical Society, Mason County Historical Commission, 1976.  
• Findagrave.com
  

1. "Pioneers in God's Hills. A History of Texas and Gillespie County People and Events." 1960, Gillespie County Historical Society. Printed by Boeckman-Jons, Austin, Texas.

2. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-P7Q : 23 December 2020), Catherine Durst in household of John Durst, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

3. Gillespie County, Texas - Marriages: Gillespie County Marriage Records 1850-1865.

4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-28N : 17 January 2021), Jacob Treibs and Caroline Durst, 13 Jan 1853; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

5. Gillespie County, Texas - Marriages: Gillespie County Marriage Records 1850-1865.

6. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-VZP : 17 January 2021), John Geo Durst and Charlotte Siegmamo, 04 Oct 1856; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801. 

7. National Park Service. Soldiers and Sailors Database.

8. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-X51 : 2 January 2021), John Durst, 1870.

9. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-X51 : 2 January 2021), John Durst, 1870.

10. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-22Z : 2 January 2021), Ricke Lindsay in entry for Thom Lindsay, 1870.

11. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK8T-9K84 : 22 December 2016), J. B. Durst and Mary B. Kopp, 06 Apr 1881; citing , Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

Heinrich Konrad Kothmann & Family

Heinrich Konrad came to this world on 31 January 1798 in Wedelheine, Gifhorn, Lüneburg, Kingdom of Hannover, Prussia. He was the youngest son of Herr Hennig Heinrich Kothmann (b. about 1770) and Ilse Dorothee Marwede.

Heinrich went to school in his village. Later, he completed trade training and became a cabinet maker. The man was a talented musician and composer. He played various musical instruments including the clarinet, flute, and violin. Young Heinrich Konrad Kothmann was a member of the Hannover Municipal Band.

Heinrich did his 6-year military service in the Prussian Army (2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment). In 1824, sometime after his honorable discharge, the man married Johanne Sophie Kothmann (nee Wolters). Sophie was previously married to his brother Heinrich Wilhelm (born in about 1800/died in 1824).

The couple made their home in the family estate in Wedelheine. They had two children: Henriette Sophie (born 1824) and Johann Heinrich Wilhelm (born 1 March 1825). Heinrich Konrad and Johanne Sophie were married for about seven years. On 1 March 1831, Sophie died.

Over a year later, on 22 June 1832, Heinrich Konrad Kothmann married again. His second wife was Ilse Katherine Pahlman (born 1 March 1810). Ilse's parents were Johann Hennig Pahlmann and Ilse Dorothee Thorinan.

The children of Heinrich Konrad and Ilse Katherine born in Wedelheine were:

• Ilse Katherine - born 23 November 1832,
• Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Friedrich - born 10 February 1835,
• Karl Dietrich - born 14 February 1837,
• Marie Karoline - born 23 November 1840,
• Marie Dorothee - born 6 December 1842,
• a baby girl died in infancy.

The family decided to emigrate, consequently Heinrich K. applied for the Prussian passports which they received on 25 September 1845.

Heinrich, Katherine and their 5 children left Bremen, Germany on 26 September 1845. The family traveled to Texas on the barque B. Bohlen. The Kothmanns reached Galveston on 20 December 1845. From there, they went to Indianola, where they were forced to stay for several months due to the lack of any transportation means. The living conditions were disastrous. The rainy winter, no proper dwelling place (but shucks and dugouts created by desperate immigrants), and unhygienic conditions brought disease and death to many. One of the victims was also Heinrich and Ilse's daughter, 6-year-old Karoline who died in 1846.

Another child, son ♦ Karl, was born to them in Indianola, on 24 March 1846. Finally, the family was able to relocate and after a three-week horrible journey, they came to New Braunfels. The place was no better than the previous stop so as soon as they could, the Kothmann family moved to the nowadays Fredericksburg area (where they expected to be granted some land). When the immigrants got there, on 8 May 1846, they found nothing but wilderness and one unfinished log house. Despite that, to celebrate the arrival, they all had a great feast. The wild game - roasted bear and panther meat made the feast food.

Heinrich, Ilse Katherine, and children made their first dwelling place in Texas at Fredericksburg. 

♦ Wilhelm was born on 18 February 1850.

On 18 September 1850, they were registered in the settlement during the census. Heinrich (Henry) worked as a laborer (1). 

♦ Caroline was born on 26 March 1852. 

♡ 27 November 1854 - Katherine married Mr. Henry F Keyser in Gillespie, TX (2).

1856, Heinrich, his wife, and children, with a few other families, moved to the place where their land grants were. It was the Upper Willow Creek area. They all had to start their work all over again as there was no civilization at all. The families helped each other - they cleared the land and made it ready for farming. Heinrich built a log house for his people - the logs were connected with wooden pins, the roof shingles were brought from the mill (situated on the Guadalupe River) owned and ran by Mr. Zink. Next, the crops were planted and the Kothmanns started raising livestock as well.

♡ Johan Heinrich Wilhelm Friedrich married Miss Sophie Hartwig on 9 September 1856 (3).

Two years later, in 1858, when Fort Mason came into being, the families of Upper Willow Creek found an income source there. Heinrich Konrad hauled food and other supplies to the Fort as well. Besides that, the soldiers brought the settlers some protection, and the Indian raids in the area became less frequent.

♡ Wedding in the family again - Karl Dietrich Kothmann married Louise Stahl on 11 October 1862. The ceremony took place in Hilda, Texas (4).

Heinrich and his family raised a lot of cattle and hogs. In the winter, they had hog (even 100 at a time) butchering. Part of the meat - ham, and bacon was meant for the family, part of it was hauled for sale to Austin and San Antonio.

♡ 24 April 1866 - Marie Dorothee was married to William Knolle in Bethel Methodist Church, Hilda, Mason, Texas (5).

♡ Karl Kothmann, the first child of Heinrich's born in Texas, married  Miss Mary Catharine Hoerster on 28 March 1867 in Hilda, Mason, TX (6). She was the daughter of Johann Heinrich Hoerster and Mary Christina Gelhausen.

Two years later, ♡ Marie Caroline was united in marriage with Mr. Louis Knolle on 16 January 1869 (7).

During the census of 1870, Henry and Catharina were registered in Mason County. Of all the children, only 24-year-old William lived at the family home then. He helped his father with farming. The value of their real estate was given as $800, and the estimated value of  their personal estate was $1200. Henry's neighbors were the family of his son Charles, the Christian Bakers, the Ernst Jordans, the Ernst Dannheims, the Phillip Eckerts, and the Henry Hoersters (8).

About four years later, ♡ William left the parents' home. He married Miss Auguste Albertson on 17 January 1874.

The Kothmanns were originally of Lutheran faith. However, when the Methodist church was founded in Hilda, they joined the church as its members.

In 1880, 82-year-old Henry and 70-year-old Catharina lived on their own in their homestead at Precinct #4, Mason County (9).

Heinrich Konrad Kothmann passed on 27 August 1881. Ilse Katherine lived till 15 February 1905. They were both buried at the Kothmann Cemetery in Art, Mason County, TX. God bless their souls.

♡ Heinrich Friedrich married Mary Eversberg, nee Miller, but that will be told about another time in another post.

 Resources: 

• "The Kothmanns of Texas 1845-1931", Selma Metzenthin Raunick and Margaret Schade, Press of Boeckmann-Jones Company, Austin, Texas,
• Geneanet.org
  

1. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-PQV : 23 December 2020), Henry Kothman, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). 

2. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1R-541 : 22 January 2020), Catharine Kothmann in entry for Henry F. Keyser, 1854.

3. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXGC-2FL : 17 January 2021), F Kothmann and Sophie Hartwig, 09 Sep 1856; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,801.

4. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HSX : 22 January 2020), Dietrich Kothmann, 1862.

5. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HT4 : 22 January 2020), Dorothea Kothmann in entry for William Knolle, 1866.

6. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HTS : 22 January 2020), Carl Kothmann, 1867.

7. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLZ2-BJG : 17 January 2021), Louis Knolle and Caroline Cothmann or Kothmann, 16 Jan 1869; citing Austin, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 1,019,273.

8. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-X5S : 2 January 2021), Henry Kothman, 1870.

9. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-RXH : 20 February 2021), Henry Kothmann, Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 104, sheet 503A, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

Louis Kettner & Lina Meckel

Louis John Kettner was the eldest son/child of Franz Kettner and Katherine Keller (1). He was born on 16 December 1858 in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, TX. In 1870, the Franz Kettner family lived in Mason, Mason County (2).

Louis was one of the very first pupils of the school in Grossville. The man married when he was about 34. On 20 May 1893, Miss Lina Meckel (born 8 December 1861), daughter of Konrad Meckel and Henriette Luckenbach, became Mrs. Louis John Kettner. The two got married in Fredericksburg where Lina was born. The girl was 5 years old when her father Konrad was killed by Indians. She got her education and was confirmed at Vereins Kirche in the town. 

Louis had a ranch in the Grossville area, then the Kettner couple moved to Mason County. Louis John Kettner served as County Commissioner, in 1888 (3), he was elected Justice of the Peace of Precinct #3 (which was in Hedwig's Hill).

Louis John and Lina's daughter Edna Hulda was born on 8 December 1895. 

 

On 11 November 1935 (4), Edna married Mr. Damon Harry Kothmann (born on 12 December 1890) who lived in Menard, TX. Damon was the son of Charles Kothmann and Sophie Brandenburger and grandson of Heinrich Fritz Kothmann and Sophie Hartwig (I am going to write more about the Kothmann family in the next post).

Damon Harry Kothmann was a WW1 veteran. The man was drafted on 6 February 1917. He had done one-year military training at the A & M Institute (5).

Private Damon Harry Kothmann served with Company F, 345 Field Artillery, 90 Division. The soldier was honorably discharged on 23 June 1919 (6).

 

Louis John Kettner died of coronary occlusion, after a stroke and paralysis on 1 May 1940 (7).

Lina lived 100 years. At the end of her life, she lived in Menard, probably with Edna and Damon. Lina Meckel Kettner passed on 3 April 1862 at Menard hospital (8). The couple was buried at the Crosby cemetery in Mason County, Texas.

Resources:

1. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ML-JYH : 20 February 2021), Louis John Kettner, 01 May 1940; citing certificate number 24789, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,118,552.

2. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXG3-1MD : 2 January 2021), Louis Kettner in entry for Francis Kettner, 1870.

3. Mason County, Texas 1888 Officers 

4. Karen's Genealogy 

5. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXL-462 : 23 February 2021), Damon Harry Kothmann, 1917-1918.

6. United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPTJ-BBS4 : 17 October 2019), Damon Harry Kothman, 23 Jun 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

7. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ML-JYH : 20 February 2021), Louis John Kettner, 01 May 1940; citing certificate number 24789, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,118,552.

8. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KSBZ-GRY : 20 February 2021), Lina Meckel Kettner, 03 Apr 1962; citing certificate number 25026, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,116,969. 

• "Mason County Historical Book", Mason County Historical Society, Mason County Historical Commission, 1976.  
• Findagrave.com
  

Selma Christina Loeffler & Family

Selma was the 6th daughter and the 9th child born to Paul Loeffler and Mina Neffendorf. She was born on 8 February 1887 in Mason. 

♦ Brother Robert Henry was born on 14 August 1889.

♡ Sister Lina Rosa (born 8 January 1872 in Fredericksburg, TX) married Heinrich Daniel Kothmann (born 29 May 1875) in 1890. He was the son of Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann and Sophie Anna Hartwig.

♡ Maria, Selma's third elder sister married  Louis (Ludwig Heinrich) Wiessemann on 16 July 1891 (1). Louis' parents were Konrad Karl Wiessemann and Luise Spaeth.

♦ Brother Alvin William was born on 29 July 1891 (2).

♦ Sister Hulda Margarethe was born on 5 July 1894 (3). 

Another wedding in the family: ♡ on 5 August 1895, Emma Christine Maria (Selma's eldest sister born on 16 June 1870) became the wife of  Herman Standke (4). The marriage took place in Gillespie County, TX.

♦ Grievously, a few months later, baby girl Hulda passed on 3 November 1895. Selma was 7 then.

♡ Albert Christian Loeffler (born 13 August 1876 (5)) was Selma's eldest brother. The family celebrated his wedding and marriage to Emma Louise Schmidt (born 3 October 1880 in Fredericksburg) in 1899. Emma was the daughter of Ludwig Heinrich Schmidt and Lisette Charlotte Henriette Lehmann.

1900 - the Census (5). Selma, parents, and sibling lived in Mason Township, Mason, TX. Paul Loeffler, the father, worked as a carpenter. The siblings of Selma were:

Emil (born 8 February 1881) worked as a day laborer,

Max Theodore (born 9 February 1883) worked as a clerk,

Bertha Katherine (born 2 March 1885 (6)), Robert, and Alvin.

Selma had another sister Ida Augusta born on 25 September 1878. Ida passed on 4 August 1881, years before Selma Christina came to this world. 

Little Selma completed her primary education at the Mason public school. In 1910, the girl and her family were registered during the Census. They lived in Justice Precinct #1, Mason, TX. Paul, the father, was a carpenter and had his own shop. Selma's brother Robert H worked as a carpenter as well. Another brother, Max T worked as a druggist, and Alvin W was a salesman (7).

Five years later, on 27 December 1906, brother Emil Adolph ♡ married Miss Emma Ruth Spicer (8). Her parents were Mr. James Spicer and Miss Ruth Nelson.

Later, young Selma studied at the Ballinger Training School for Nurses in Ballinger, Runnels, TX, which she graduated from in October 1914.

Clipping source: Sledge, A. W. The Daily Ledger. (Ballinger, Tex.), Vol. 9, No. 237, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 3, 1914, newspaper, October 3, 1914; Ballinger, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1137663/: accessed February 26, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Carnegie Library of Ballinger. 

♦ Three years later, on 1 May 1917, Paul Friedrich Loeffler, Selma's father, died (9).

Paul Friedrich Loeffler was born in Cleebronn, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany on 9 June 1847, to parents Johann Martin Löffler and Johanne Christine Zitzelmann.  In 1854, he relocated to Texas together with his family.

 Paul was a cabinet maker and master carpenter. The man married Mina Neffendorf on 29 January 1870. At first, they lived in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, Texas (10). Later, The couple moved to Mason County, Hilda community and then, to the town of Mason where Paul worked at Mr. R. Grosse's Lumber Yard. Paul Friedrich Loeffler was a member of the Methodist Church (11). He died of chronic gastritis at the age of 69.

Not long after that, on 5 June 1917, brother Alvin William was drafted. At that time, Alvin worked as a pharmacist for Mr. SE Serger in Seguin, Texas (12).

Private Alvin William Loeffler was assigned to Battalion E, 111 Field Artillery Regiment, Am E F (13). He married Miss Allie Mae Dockery in 1918 ♡.

Bertha also married about in 1918 ♡. Her spouse was Ben Frazier Neal, the son of Andrew Jackson Neal and Mary Talitha Alexander.

♦ Another death in the family. At the beginning of October 1918, brother Max Theodore (who was a pharmacist) got sick with pneumonia. The man passed after 7 days - on 8 October (14). Max left behind his wife Nellie Lemburg.

Then, a happier event came - brother Alvin William came back home from the war. He was honorably discharged on 23 May 1919 (15).

In the same year, on 27 September, the family had another celebration and merry gathering. That time it was brother Robert Henry who got married ♡. His sweetheart was Lillie Ola Jetton (born 17 January 1897 in Lavaca County, Texas). Robert's in-laws were Mr. Lewis Henson Jetton and Amelia Ann Farrar.

During all those years, after her graduation from the school for nurses, Selma worked as a registered nurse at the Medical Arts Hospital in Brownwood, TX, and other places in Brown County. The lady was especially dedicated to special duty nursing, she also cared for family members when there was such a need. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Selma also took part in all the family events and celebrations such as birthdays and weddings (however, that would be too much to mention them all here).

♦ 1928 - the family had a sad Christmas that year - Minna Neffendorf Loeffler, Selma's mother, passed on 21 December.

Minna (Wilhelmina) Neffendorf Loeffler was born on 21 December 1853 in Fredericksburg, TX to parents Jakob Neffendorf and Katherina Dietz. Jakob came to Texas  in 1845 on the vessel "Neptune". Mina Loffler died of apoplectic paralysis at the age of 74 (16).

Nurse Selma Christina Loeffler retired after 25 years of her professional career. In 1930, she still lived in Brown County. Selma rented a room at the Trachiseur's family. Her niece Lizzie, daughter of Albert Christian, also had a room there. Lizzie worked as a nurse as well (17).

At the end of the 1930s, she relocated to Junction where her siblings Emil, Robert, Alvin, and Bertha lived as well. Emil's wife Emma died in 1931. Selma moved into Emil's place. The Census record from 1940 contains an error. It states that Selma was Emil A's wife. Probably the clerk just assumed that they were a married couple. The two lived in Commissioner's Precinct #1, Junction, Kimble County, Texas (18).

For three years, Selma ran the Las Lomas Hotel in Junction. She was the hotel manager. In about 1948, the lady moved into her sister Bertha's place. Selma Christina Loeffler passed five years later on 14 July 1953 in Junction, Texas. 

Resources:

1.  "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HSP : 22 January 2020), Mary Loeffler in entry for Louis Wissemann, 1891.

2. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DKMM : 14 February 2020), Paul Loeffler in entry for Alwin Wilhelm Loeffler, 1891.

3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-X26Z : 14 February 2020), Paul Loeffler in entry for Hulda Margarethe Loeffler, 1894.

4. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXSN-WJS : 17 January 2021), Hermann Standke and Emma Loeffler, 05 Aug 1895; citing Gillespie, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 982,802.

5. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3P2-V51 : accessed 27 February 2021), Selma Loefler in household of Paul Loefler, Mason Township Mason, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 53, sheet 9A, family 170, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,241,658. 

6. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KS1X-L5D : 20 February 2021), Paul Loeffler in entry for Bertha K Loeffler Neal, 28 Nov 1968; citing certificate number 81468, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,137,191.

 7. "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M2Q4-DBV : accessed 26 February 2021), Selma C Loeffler in household of Paul Loeffler, Justice Precinct 1, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 197, sheet 3B, family 84, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1576; FHL microfilm 1,375,589. 

8. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXQ8-ZYG : 22 January 2020), Emil A. Loeffler, 1906.

9. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3WD-YJF : 20 February 2021), Paul Loeffler, 01 May 1917; citing certificate number 14105, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,051,857.

10. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXL5-52M : 2 January 2021), Paul Loeffler, 1870.

11. "Mason County Historical Book", Mason County Historical Society, Mason County Historical Commission, 1976.

12. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZXD-9RY : 23 February 2021), Alvin William Loeffler, 1917-1918.

13. Hering, Ed. Seguiner Zeitung. (Seguin, Tex.), Vol. 28, No. 10, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 24, 1918, newspaper, October 24, 1918; Seguin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth487448/: accessed February 27, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.

14. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3ZB-WR4 : 20 February 2021), Max Theodore Loeffler, 08 Oct 1918; citing certificate number 43114, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,073,349. 

15. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K37S-YWY : 20 February 2021), Minna Leoffler, 26 Nov 1928; citing certificate number 49178, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,114,662.

16. "United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:71DD-MVPZ : 23 October 2019), Alvin William Loeffler, 23 Jun 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers. 

17. "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CQ6P-DT2 : accessed 28 February 2021), Lizzie L Laeffler in household of Reese M Trachiseur, Brownwood, Brown, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 2, sheet 16B, line 91, family 411, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2302; FHL microfilm 2,342,036. 

18. "United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KW2N-BMC : 24 May 2020), Emil A Loeffler, Junction, Commissioner's Precinct 1, Kimble, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 134-1, sheet 22B, line 44, family 503, Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940, NARA digital publication T627. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, RG 29. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 4087. 

• "Families of Kimble County" Volume II 1998, Kimble County Historical Commission, South Llano Printing Company, Junction, Texas 
• Findagrave.com
  

Heinrich Konrad Pluenneke

Heinrich Konrad Plünneke (Pluenneke) was born on 26 December 1819 in the village Klein Lafferde, Kingdom of Hanover (nowadays Kreis Peine, Niederschasen).

In 1845,  Konrad, his parents, and 7 siblings left for America. They encountered a storm when they were reaching Galveston and their ship was wrecked at the Texas coast. The family lost their belongings, nevertheless, they all survived the wreck. However, Konrad's sister got separated from her people. Tragically, later, the parents and three of Konrad's siblings died of cholera. The Plünneke orphans continued their travel until they reached Fredericksburg. Konrad obtained a town lot and 10 acres of land in the settlement area, which would have been granted by the German Emigration Company to his late father.

When the war with Mexico started, Konrad became one of the Texas Mounted Volunteers.  His wartime comrades were, among others, Christian, Fritz, and Henry Leifeste (Leiweste). Konrad was introduced to their sister Sophie Christina (born 7 January 1824). He was very much taken with the young lady and the two got married on 23 August 1847.

After the war, Heinrich Konrad came back to Fredericksburg. 

♦ Sophia Emma was born to Sophie and Konrad in Fredericksburg on 1 March 1850. 

In 1850, Konrad and Sophie moved to the Llano River area, Mason County, where they made their dwelling. 

♦ Son Heinrich Conrad was born on 17 May 1852.

♦ Son Henry was born on 9 June 1854 (1).

♦ Daughter Dina (Conradine) was born to Konrad and Sophie on 1 April 1856 (2). 

♦ Johanna was born on 28 November 1857 (3).

1859 - Konrad obtained 640 acres of land, which had been granted to his father (Fisher-Miller grant).

♦ Son Heinrich August was born in Hilda, Mason, TX on 5 August 1859 (4). 

♦ Son Carl Friedrich was born on 28 December 1860 in Hilda (5).

♦ Son John Friedrich was born on 16 August 1862 in Hilda (6).

Due to the common demand soon, the Methodist Mission was founded at the Llano River. Heinrich Konrad Puenneke was its minister for 45 years. Since there was no doctor there, besides spiritual service, Konrad helped local people with his homeopathy based healing treatment when it was needed. Visiting members of his congregation, minister Pluenneke always carried not only the Bible, but a bag with herbal medicine as well.

♦ Maria Elizabeth was born on 5 February 1865, Hilda, Mason, TX (7). Grievously, the girl did not live long. She passed a few days after her 1st birthday anniversary, on 17 February 1866.

A joyful day - ♦ Daniel was born on 26 May 1867 (8). The youngest child of Konrad and Sophie did not have a chance to grow up. Sorrow came again when the baby died on 7 December 1867.

In 1870, the family lived in the town of Mason, Mason County. Conrad Sr. was registered as a Methodist Preacher, his son Conrad Jr. did the farming (9) with the help of the family.

20 March 1872 - a family event and celebrations - the eldest daughter Sophie Emma was married to Theodor Wiedemann (10).

Two years later, on 11 June 1874, Heinrich Konrad Jr. married Miss Elise Brandenberger in Hilda, Mason, TX (11).

2 December 1878 - Death visited the family - Konrad Jr.'s wife Elise passed. The widower and their three little children were left behind. A year later Konrad Jr. remarried. Karoline Henrietta Wiesemann was his second wife.

Johanna married John Henry Brandenberger in 1880, before the Census. The groom's parents were Rudolph Gottlieb Brandenberger and Maria Katherine Bierschwale.

18 June 1880, the Census recorded Conrad (farmer and stock raiser) and Sophie, who lived with their children at Precinct #4, Mason, Texas. Dena (Dina), August, Charles, and John still lived at the parents' home (12).

A year later, Dina left the family home - she married Mr. Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann, the son of Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann Sr. and Sophie Anna Hartwig. 

4 May 1886 - the family in mourning - Sophie Christine Leifeste Pluenneke, the mother of the family, Konrad' s wife passed.

A few months later, on Christmas Day 1886, Karl Friedrich married Miss Emilie Lemberg (13). After her death (which came in 1914), his second wife was Annie Willenberg nee Raesener, widow of Edward Bruno Willenberg. Karl (Chas) and Annie married on 20 August 1917 (14).

 

Heinrich August married Miss Mina Pape on 28 February 1889 at the Bethel Methodist Church in Hilda, Mason County (15). His in-laws were Mr. Heinrich Friedrich Simon Pape and Ms. Johanna Georgine Sievers.

John Friedrich started his family in the next year. His spouse was Miss Emma Mathilda Heins. John became a minister. He was President of Blinn College in Brenham, TX from 1901 to 1909.

Minister Heinrich Konrad Pluenneke retired in 1895. He passed two years later, on 13 May 1897. Konrad Sr. was buried at Lower Creek Willow Cemetery, Mason County, TX.

 

Resources: 

• "Mason County Historical Book", Mason County Historical Society, Mason County Historical Commission, 1976.
• "Homestead: German Family Makes Texas Home"
  
• Findagrave.com 

1. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3WQ-VJB : 20 February 2021), Conrad Pluenneke in entry for Henry Pluenneke, 14 Aug 1913; citing certificate number 18835, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,050,996.

2. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-43T2 : 14 February 2020), C. Pluenneke in entry for Dina Pluenneke, 1856.

3. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LG8-83MM : 14 February 2020), C. Pluenneke in entry for Johanna Pluenneke, 1857.

4. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-MN3Z : 14 February 2020), Conrand Pluenneke in entry for H. August Pluenneke, 1859.

5. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DLZM : 14 February 2020), Conrad Pluenneke in entry for Carl Friedrich Pluenneke, 1860.

6. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XN3Z : 14 February 2020), C. Pluenneke in entry for John Friedrich Pluenneke, 1862.

7. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-DC2M : 14 February 2020), Conrad Pluenneke in entry for Maria Elisabeth Pluenneke, 1865.

8. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-FLPZ : 14 February 2020), C. Pluenneke in entry for Daniel Pluenneke, 1867. 

9. "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXGQ-4BV : 2 January 2021), Dina Pluneke in entry for Conrad Pluneke, 1870.

10. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-48C : 22 January 2020), Sophie Pluenneke in entry for Theodor Wiedemann, 1872.

11. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-F6P : 22 January 2020), Elise Brandenberger in entry for H. Conrad Plunneke, 1874.

12. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFJM-LGW : 20 February 2021), Conrad Pluenneke, Precinct 4, Mason, Texas, United States; citing enumeration district ED 104, sheet 502D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,255,319.

13. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-W2X : 22 January 2020), Carl Pluenneke, 1886.

 14. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-88QT : 23 February 2021), Chas Pluenneke and Annie Willenberg, 20 Aug 1917; citing Marriage, citing Llano, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 982,996. 

15. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-4ZT : 22 January 2020), August Pluenneke, 1889.

Johann Heinrich Hoerster and Family

Johann Heinrich Hörster (Hoerster) was born in Piertzenthal, Prussia, on 16 July 1814. The town of Pirzental which I have found in Europe is situated in the Rhineland-Palatinate region in nowadays Germany, south-west of Berlin.

Johann was a shoemaker, his wife was Maria Christina Gelhausen (born 25 August 1818). Three sons were born to them in Prussia Fritz (Friedrich) - born 11 November 1841 (1), Daniel - born 15 September 1843 (2), and Anton (Johann Anton) - born 8 January 1845 (3).

Johann had done his time in the Prussian Army and together with Christina, they decided to emigrate. The family traveled to Texas on the ship Prince Edward and arrived in Galveston, Texas in September 1846. From there, the Hörsters relocated to New Braunfels and subsequently to Fredericksburg. In the spring of 1847, Johann Heinrich obtained 10 acres of land (nowadays the area of Highway #9).

On 18 September 1850, during the Census, Johann Heinrich's /Henry's family was recorded in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County (4):

• Henry, age 36,
• wife Mary C (Maria Christine), age 33,
• Frederick (Fritz), age 9,
• Daniel, age 7,
• Anton, age 5,
• Mary Catherine, age 2, she was born on 11 April 1848 (5),
• William (Wilhelm), born on 16 April 1850 (6).

Johann Heinrich and Maria had 10 children, only 7 survived until their adulthood.

• Karoline was born on 12 April 1852 (7).

October 1856, the Hörsters moved to Mason County, nowadays Art area. They were one of the first pioneer families who settled there. Heinrich built a house close to other families, on a hill by Upper Willow Creek. The new home had 3 rooms, an attic, and it was made of logs sealed with mud.

• Wilhelmina (Minnie) was born on 11 November 1856 (8).
  

The pioneers were self-sufficient regarding produce and making their own food. Heinrich grew corn, potatoes, sugar cane, beans, and cabbage. The meat was provided by wild game. Later, the man also raised longhorns and hogs. His cattle brand was "HSTER". It happened that he butchered 100 hogs at a time. They made sausages, and Heinrich had his own recipe for curing meats. Johann Heinrich sold much of it to the soldiers at Fort McKavett, and in San Antonio as well. 

 

1856 - the family moved to the Mason area (nowadays Art). In 1859, Christina, the mother of the family, died. Some time later, Heinrich remarried. Anna Elise Gammenthaler (born 1 October 1833, Sumiswald, Switzerland) became the stepmother to Heinrich and Christina's kids. Seven children were born to Heinrich and Anna Elise Hörster:

• Rosina - arrived on 4 May 1862, Hilda, Mason, TX (9),
• Heinrich - born on 23 November 1864, Hilda, Mason (10),
• Lydia - born on 4 Aug 1867 in Hilda (11),
• John August Emil - born on 18 September 1870 (12),
• Henry John - born on 12 March 1872 (13),
• William Eddie born 9 November 1874, Art, Mason (14),
• Alfred Willie Eddie born on 4 April 1877 (15).

Only 3 of their sons, Henry (Heinrich), William Eddie, and Henry John - died 31 July 1957 (16), lived till adulthood.

The Upper Willow Creek area was not a safe place - Indian raids happened quite often there. On 19 July 1859, a band of Kiowas stole the horses guarded by nine-year-old Wilhelm and captured the boy as well. Bill had been shot in the neck. The band crossed the Sana Saba, they got to the Indian village after 6 days. Billy was mistreated by the kidnappers and  beaten often. Luckily his neck wound healed. Later, he Indians sold the boy to the Mexican Comancheros for a mule and other items which were worth $100. On 19 November 1859, one of the Mexican brought the boy to Ute Indian agent by the name of Christopher Carson who worked in Taos, the territory of New Mexico. Billy was in a bad condition and he was not able to say where his family lived. William hardly could speak English then, but remembered who his parents were (17). To make the story short, in the result of an exchange organized by the state legislature, Bill came back home in January 1860.  

Johann Heinrich (John Henry) Hoerster served as County Commissioner from 1858 to 1866.

In the middle of 1874, the Mason County War started. The war was all about cattle and cattle rustlers. Tragically, young Daniel, the son of Henry Hoerster, who worked as a cattle inspector, was one of the war casualties. He was killed on 29 September 1875 (18).

The note contains a mistake. Peter Jordan, mentioned in it, was a friend of the Hoerster family. Besides that, he was also Daniel's brother-in-law. Peter's sister Wilhelmine was Daniel's wife. The two were married on 1 December 1871. Deputy Sheriff John Wohrley (Johann Anton Wohrle) was married to Miss Helene Geistweidt.

 

Katherine married Karl Kothmann on 28 March 1867, in Hilda, Mason, TX (19).

Fritz married Johanna Leifeste on  5 January 1871 in Hilda, Mason, TX (20). She was the daughter of Anton Heinrich Leihfeste (Leifeste) and Elisabetha Sphie Henriette Viedt.

Karolina married Caleb Cook Smith in 1872.

William Hoerster married 

• Anna Alperson on 23 January 1873 (21), she died in 1878.
  

• then he married Maria Seipp on 27 July 1880 (22),

• his 3rd wife Anna Theresa Scholl, they got married on  31 October 1884 (23).

  
  
  

Johann Anton married Louise Marschall on 19 September 1873 (24).

Minna married Heinrich Leifeste, the son of Johann Friedrich Leihfeste and Sabine Molzbergeron. The ceremony took place on 4 March 1875 (25). After Minna's death, he married Bertha Hartmann in 1912.

Henry married Emilie Leifeste on  22 July 1886 in Hilda, Mason, TX (26). Emilie's parents were Johann Heinrich Leifeste and  Margarethe Reihnhard.

William Eddie married Sophie Henrietta Steinmann about 1898.

John was married to Frieda Kassel on 16 September 1903 in Llano, Texas (27). 

John Henry Hoerster was proud of his children and grandchildren, and all of the family achievements in their new home Texas. He passed on 20 June 1900 in Mason, Mason County. Henry's wife Anna Elise died 12 years later on 31 July 1912 in Art, Texas.

 

Resources:

1. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K339-JVB : 13 March 2018), Fritz Hoerster, 23 Feb 1931; citing certificate number 9247, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,506.

2. "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVVG-KKMJ : 8 August 2020), Daniel Hoerster, ; Burial, , Mason, Texas, United States of America, Daniel Hoerster Cemetery; citing record ID 20061640, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

3. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K332-JT2 : 13 March 2018), J Anton Hoerster, 17 Jun 1932; citing certificate number 23997, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,874.

4. "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MXLK-XDB : 23 December 2020), Henry Hoerster, Fredericksburg, Gillespie, Texas, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

5. "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVVG-GKW9 : 8 August 2020), Kate, ; Burial, Art, Mason, Texas, United States of America, Kothmann Cemetery; citing record ID 19494326, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

6. "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVKF-BVS3 : 8 August 2020), William Hoerster, ; Burial, , Mason, Texas, United States of America, Art East Cemetery; citing record ID 41093091, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

7. "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVLD-GDLB : 8 August 2020), Carolina Hoerster Smith, ; Burial, Mason, Mason, Texas, United States of America, Gooch Cemetery; citing record ID 87812121, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

8. "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVGP-LDG1 : 13 September 2020), Minnie, ; Burial, Goldthwaite, Mills, Texas, United States of America, Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery; citing record ID 123820367, Find a Grave, http://ww.findagrave.com.

9. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-D1MM : 14 February 2020), H. Horster in entry for Rosina Horster, 1862.

10. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-XBZM : 14 February 2020), Heinrich Horster in entry for Heinrich Horster, 1864.

11. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-GFT2 : 14 February 2020), H. Horster in entry for Lydia Horster, 1867.

12. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4LP9-RK3Z : 14 February 2020), H. Horster in entry for John August Emil Horster, 1870.

13. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L27-4TT2 : 14 February 2020), H. Horster in entry for Henry John Horster, 1872.

14. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K3XF-RFP : 13 March 2018), Henry Hoerster in entry for William Eddie Hoerster, 12 Dec 1963; citing certificate number 79257, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,117,356.

15. "Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:4L2Q-5NT2 : 14 February 2020), H. Horster in entry for Allfred Willy Eddy Horster, 1877.

16. "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K338-FGX : 13 March 2018), John Hoerster, 31 Jul 1957; citing certificate number 43508, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2,135,798.

17. "A Fate Worse than Death: Indian Captivities in the West, 1830-1885", by Gregory Michno, Susan Michno, Caxton Press, Idaho, 2007.

18. Clipping: Downs, J. W. The Waco Daily Examiner. (Waco, Tex.), Vol. 3, No. 234, Ed. 1, Saturday, October 9, 1875, newspaper, October 9, 1875; Waco, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth112150/: accessed February 20, 2021), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; . 

19. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-HT9 : 22 January 2020), Catherine Horster in entry for Carl Kothmann, 1867.

20. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-WLQ : 22 January 2020), Fritz Horster, 1871.

21. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-FXH : 22 January 2020), Wilhelm Horster, 1873.

22. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1T-QQV : 22 January 2020), William Hoerster, 1880. died 1883

23. "Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F6BM-T8N : 17 January 2021), Wm. Hoerster and A. T. Scholl, 31 Oct 1884; citing Travis County, Texas, United States, county courthouses, Texas; FHL microfilm 978,166.

24. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK1Y-QVQ : 22 January 2020), J. A. Hoerster, 1873. 

25. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-4ZY : 22 January 2020), Minna Horster in entry for Heinrich Leifeste, 1875.

26. "Texas Marriages, 1837-1973", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2MM-W2N : 22 January 2020), Henry Hoerster, 1886.

27. "Texas, County Marriage Records, 1837-1965," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV14-Z1GT : 7 December 2020), Mr John Hoerster and Frida Kassel, 16 Sep 1903; citing Marriage, citing Llano, Texas, United States, Texas State Library, Archives Division, and various Texas county clerks; FHL microfilm 982,995.

• "Mason County Historical Book", Mason County Historical Society, Mason County Historical Commission, 1976.
• Findagrave.com